WHAT IS QUALITY?

What is FOCUS On Young Children’s Learning?

FOCUS On Young Children’s Learning, New Mexico’s Tiered Quality Rating and Improvement System (TQRIS), provides early childhood program personnel with the criteria, tools, and resources they need to improve the quality of their programs. These quality improvements focus on children’s growth, development, and learning – so that each child has an equitable opportunity to be successful when entering school.

For support or questions about the FOCUS application or application for verification, please contact CYFD FOCUS Manager Casey Lafferty at 505-476-0531.

FOCUS Planning Grant Application FY18-19

***Applications will continue to be accepted through the 18-19 School Year!***

One of the FOCUS criteria is “Educators must have at least two hours of weekly planning time to review child assessment information and for curriculum planning”. We recognize that this criteria is costly, but we also recognize that planning time is essential for program quality. To support FOCUS programs’ ability to meet this criteria, CYFD has allocated funding for FOCUS Planning Time Grants.

Programs will receive points, based on the information provided and awards will be made based on those calculations. You will be notified within 45 days the status of the grant award and the amount you will be eligible for. If awarded, programs can submit July planning time on August 1st. This grant period will be 7/1/18 - 6/30/19. Should you have any questions, please contact FOCUS@nullregionix.org.

New Mexico PreK Initiative

New Mexico PreK is a voluntary program funded by the state of New Mexico. The PreK program began in 2005 to ensure that every child in New Mexico has the opportunity to attend a high quality early childhood education program before going to kindergarten.

The Purpose of New Mexico PreK

Increase access to voluntary high-quality pre-kindergarten programs

Provide developmentally appropriate activities for New Mexico children

Expand early childhood community capacity

Support linguistically and culturally appropriate curriculum

Focus on school readiness

Teachers carefully plan indoor and outdoor activities based on what children need to learn in seven areas:

Listening, language, reading, and writing

Science

Counting, shapes, sorting and measuring

Coordination, hygiene, health, and well-being

Art, music, and movement

Independence, problem-solving, thinking and perseverance

Appropriate behavior, social skills and being a part of a group

You won’t see children sitting quietly at desks in a PreK classroom. PreK children are active – busy – working.

Steps to Choosing Quality Child Care

Start Early:Finding the right child care option takes time so families must start their child care search as far in advance as possible.

Consider Quality: Read Choosing Quality Care to determine what to consider while searching for child care. Consider programs currently participating in New Mexico’s Tiered Quality Rating and Improvement System-FOCUS. These programs are on their way to providing higher quality care for your child. 5-STAR is the highest recognized quality of care.

Visit, Ask Questions & Make a Choice: Families should visit the child care options they are considering and ask questions pertaining to issues that are important to them. Make more than one visit to the program before making a final decision. Review CYFD inspection reports on licensed programs to help you make the best decision for your family. Please read our Family Letter for additional information and utilize this Selecting Child Care Checklist to help with decisions.

Do you qualify for child care assistance through CYFD Child Care Services Bureau?

The CYFD Child Care Services Bureau provides assistance with the cost for child care. Child care payments are issued in the form of a check in the name of the child care provider, and are mailed directly to the child care provider. Your co-payment is based on the size of your family and your family's income.

P&F – What is Quality? – FOCUS

History of Child Care Quality in New Mexico

1st Generation (1997):

CYFD implemented a three-tiered quality rating system for Licensed child care centers and homes, these ratings were created to improve the quality of early childhood education in the state of New Mexico.

Three levels of excellence were recognized, Bronze, Silver and Gold.

2nd Generation (1999):

CYFD implemented the AIM HIGH Program Development Initiative, a voluntary program for licensed child care programs family child care providers.

The AIM HIGH Essential Elements of Quality were developed with criteria in five ascending levels that are nationally recognized to enhance the quality of services to young children.

3rd Generation (2011 to present):

The revised Tiered Quality Rating and Improvement System (TQRIS), titled FOCUS on Young Children’s Learning includes graduated program standards that are closely tied to the New Mexico Early Learning Guidelines.